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Destrehan High is one of 30 schools in the world to get this global honor

Updated November 26, 2017 at 7:03 AM;Posted November 26, 2017 at 7:00 AM

Destrehan High School Assistant Principal David Schexnaydre and Principal Stephen Weber are pictured at the school after finding out their school was selected as one of 30 world-wide to be "world-leading learners."

Schools in Switzerland, Germany, South Korea, New York, and Destrehan have something in common -- and will unite in a sharing project. Destrehan High School Principal Stephen Weber is excited that the River Parishes school is one of 30 around the globe to be named "world-leading learners" and to receive a fellowship to share with other schools techniques to excel with the challenges of today's world.

Schools were selected based on their strength in at least one of these categories: academic excellence, schools that are reducing the achievement gap between racial and socioeconomic groups and innovation, and schools that are aligning classroom outcomes with local labor market stills that are crucial to success in the 21st century economy.

"A World-Leading Learner is a school that is changing what and how students learn to ensure that they graduate with the skills and experience necessary for success no matter what path they choose," the Global Learning Network website stated. "These are schools that are challenging the traditional measures of and approaches to success. Not only are they focused on achieving academic excellence, but also on developing the knowledge and skills to succeed in careers and life. These schools are increasingly aware of and focused on the changing demands of the economy, motivated to respond, exploring innovative approaches to dynamic teaching and learning, and creating industry-aligned career pathways for students."

Destrehan made the list for its strong academics and education to career programs.

"DHS now has an opportunity to collaborate and communicate with other schools from around the world," Weber said. "It's not often that you are given an opportunity such as this one. We will be able to learn and network with other high-achieving schools and bring back knowledge gained and shared experiences for our students."

Destrehan High School's school-to-career programs and close proximity to businesses and plants in the River Parishes made it an alluring candidate for the Global Learning Network's 30 "world leading learners" list.

The process of achieving the recognition began this summer when David Schexnaydre, assistant principal at DHS, applied for the Louisiana Educator Voice Fellowship, a partnership between America Achieves and the LDOE. Schexnaydre submitted writings, an application, answered essay questions and presented data from the school. He moved on to the next round with an interview and was ultimately selected for the fellowship.

Then, in mid-August, America Achieves contacted Schexnaydre to say the school would be a good candidate to apply for America Achieves Global Learning Network. "After consulting with Weber, the answer was, yes, we were interested," Schexnaydre said.

After receiving notification that Destrehan was officially a candidate, Weber and Schexnaydre were interviewed. They answered questions about the school's academic programs and how the school was preparing the students for college and careers. Then Destrehan advanced to the next level.

"Mr. Weber and I participated in an interview with the Global Learning Network in late August. It was a 30-minute interview where they asked us questions about our academic programs and how we were preparing students for college and careers. Global Learning was impressed how the school went above and beyond to meet the needs of all students and prepare them for a life after high school," Schexnaydre said.

After only a few weeks, the school was informed that they were indeed selected. Destrehan is one of only 30 schools in the world, 17 in the United States and three in Louisiana that were selected. The two other Louisiana schools selected were Dutchtown High School in Geismer and Bossier Parish School for Technology and Innovative Learning in Bossier City. Weber and Schexnaydre said they believe a number of factors contributed to Destrehan's selection, but specifically referenced the school-to-career focus.

"We have a full-time career development facilitator and a number of initiatives available for every type of student whether they enter the workforce, a two-year college or a four-year college after graduation. Our job shadow program, WorkKeys Assessments and NCCER Core Curriculum are just a few of the offerings for our students focused on career-readiness," he said.

Another strength of Destrehan was its infusion of industry in the area coming into the high school and recruiting students as opposed to industry waiting for students to approach it for jobs. The surrounding workforce and community, as well as the college and universities in proximity to the school, contribute to the success and this recognition.

"Destrehan High School basically won a geographical lottery. We have several plants and refineries in the area, along with a great deal of business and industry. A technical college is located right down the road, and we're within a short drive of several colleges and universities. This essentially means that nothing is off limits to our students regarding their plans for after they walk across the stage and graduate," Schexnaydre said.

"Being a product of both Destrehan High School and the St. Charles Parish Public School System has ingrained in me the desire to be a life-long learner. When I saw this opportunity, I viewed it as a way for Destrehan to learn and move forward, as well as a way for Destrehan to help other schools do the same. I'm extremely proud of Destrehan and what we're doing as a school and this recognition only highlights the great things we are doing for our students," Schexnaydre added.

Weber and Schexnaydre will travel to Boston in December to participate in the convening of world-leading schools.

The Destrehan representatives will be among others from the United States, Canada, Singapore, and Switzerland. The duo looks forward to attending the convention to highlight Destrehan High School and share their practices so that the other schools can learn from them, as well as to learn from the other schools to see what they can take back to Destrehan.

Anita Hymel writes about people and events in the River Parishes community. To reach her, email hymelacathome@aol.com.